There are many over-the-counter supplements and several medications available by prescription which have been found to aid in both inflammation and lymph flow. This content is presented for information only and is not prescribed. Please consult with your physician or other health provider before taking supplements.
Index of Supplements G-M
Gabapentin
Ginger
Glitazones — see Thiazolidinediones
Goldenseal
Guaifenesin
Hesperidin
Horse chestnut
Kefir
Ketoprofen
Ketotifen
L-arginine
L-carnitine
L-citrulline
Lemon
Linfadren
Luteolin
Magnesium
Metformin
Milk thistle
Mucinex — see Guaifenesin
Mullein
Myrecetin/a>
Prescription Savings Programs
Supplements A-F
Supplements N-Z
Research
Al-Wardat, M., Alwardat, N., De Santis, G., et al. (2021). The association between serum vitamin D and mood disorders in a cohort of lipedema patients. Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation.
Cannataro, R., & Cione, E. (2022). Nutritional supplements and lipedema: Scientific and rational use. Nutraceuticals.
Flores, T., Kerschbaumer, C., Jaklin, F., et al. (2024). High-volume liposuction in lipedema patients: Effects on serum vitamin D. Journal of Clinical Medicine.
Zmitek, K., Zmitek, J., Hristov, H., et al. (2024). The effects of dietary supplementation with collagen and vitamin C and their combination with hyaluronic acid on skin density, texture and other parameters: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients.
About Supplements in the US
US supplements are poorly standardized, often contaminated, usually not evidence based, and unregulated. Herbs and other supplements are not required to meet standards of safety, efficacy, and consistency, and their use has important implications for clinical care. The continuing availability of such products in the United States results in large part from the 1994 Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act, which created a protective new category for the approximately 20,000 vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other agents sold as supplements before October 1994. Spurred by supplement industry lobbying, the act protects supplements from government scrutiny and mandates that the US Food and Drug Administration prove harm before distribution of a product can be regulated.
Cassileth, B., & Vickers, A. (2005). High prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer patients: Implications for research and clinical care. Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Learn More
Bad mix: Blood thinners and NSAIDs | Harvard Health Publishing
Cancer therapy interactions with foods and dietary supplements — Health professional version | National Cancer Institute
Cancer therapy interactions with foods and dietary supplements — Patient version | National Cancer Institute
Caution with these supplements when you have a heavy metal burden | Naturheilpraxis
Dietary supplement fact sheets | National Institutes of Health
Ginger should be avoided when taking certain medications or having certain health conditions | Healthy and Natural World
Prostate cancer, nutrition, and dietary supplements — Health professional version | National Cancer Institute
Prostate cancer, nutrition, and dietary supplements — Patient version | National Cancer Institute
Recommended supplements and medications PDF | Dr. Karen Herbst, May 2019
U.S. National Library of Medicine Database | National Institutes of Health
Gabapentin
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, 300 to 3600 mg by mouth daily.
Gabapentin. (2024). Drugs.com.
Gabapentin. (2021). Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine.
Leonard, J. (2024). Gabapentin: What to know. Medical News Today.
Ginger
Ginger has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Modern research supports its use in reducing pain and inflammation, particularly in osteoarthritis. A study published in the journal Arthritis showed that ginger extract significantly reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Glitazones — see Thiazolidinediones
Goldenseal
About Goldenseal
Goldenseal | National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Guaifenesin
Since the 1950’s, guaifenesin has been used to reduce the thickness and stickiness of bronchial secretions. It is believed that this mechanism of action, which reduces adhesiveness and surface tension of proteins, affects the lymph system in the same manner, making proteins easier to be transported within and excreted from the lymph system.
Guaifenesin has a half-life of 1 hour, so in order to keep plasma levels consistent, frequent dosing is required. Extended-release formulations release the drug slowly over several hours, allowing for less-frequent dosing. Mucinex makes 12-hour extended-release tablets in 600 mg and 1200 mg doses; these tablets utilize two layers and release guaifenesin immediately from the first layer and over a 12-hour period from the second layer.
Side effects are mild and may include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, dizziness and drowsiness. Caution should be taken for those patients with a history of kidney stones. Safe use in pregnancy has not been determined.
All salicylates, including aspirin, block the benefits of guaifenesin. Salicylates are readily absorbed through the skin and intestine when introduced from medications and supplements including plants oils, gels and extracts. Patients must screen all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, vitamins) and every single product applied to the skin as well as medications taken orally.
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, 600 mg by mouth twice daily. May take up to 2400 mg daily.
Research
Albrecht, H., Dicpinigaitis, P., & Guenin, E. (2017). Role of guaifenesin in the management of chronic bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections. Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine.
About Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin protocol for fibromyalgia | Fibromyalgia Treatment Center
Living with Lipedema: Do’s & Don’ts | Dr. Thomas Wright, Lipedema Surgical Solutions
Medication for lipedema | Dr. Thomas Wright, Lipedema Surgical Solutions
Guaifenesin. (2021). Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine.
Mucinex. (n.d.). Connective Rx. Prescribers’ Digital Reference.
Hesperidin
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, 100 mg by mouth daily.
Research
Rizza, S., Muniyappa, R., Iantorno, M., et al. (2011). Citrus polyphenol hesperidin stimulates production of nitric oxide in endothelial cells while improving endothelial function and reducing inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Horse chestnut
Horse chestnut seed extract strengthens the lymphatic system, reduces swelling, and helps treat chronic venous insufficiency.
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, 300 mg to 450 mg by mouth twice daily.
Per Dr. Herbst, the HCSE gel Venaforce works similarly to the oral form. Apply topically to affected areas two times daily.
About Horse chestnut
Horse chestnut | National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Horse chestnut. (2020). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Underland, V., Saeerdal, I., & Nilsen, E. (2012). Cochrane summary of findings: Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Global Advances in Health and Medicine.
Kefir
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, 125 to 500 mL by mouth daily.
Ketoprofen
Ketoprofen, but it’s difficult to find and now needs a prescription. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ketoprofen-oral-route/description/drg-20069709
It appears that the gel may be available. https://www.bayviewrx.com/formulas/Ketoprofen-20-Topical-Gel-Osteoarthritis-Rheumatoid-Arthritis-Tendinitis-Bursitis-Fibromyalgia
Ketoprofen. (2021). Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine.
Ketotifen
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, instill 1 drop into eye twice daily.
Ketotifen opthalmic. (2021). Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine.
L-arginine
Supplement with L-lysine, to suppress viruses.
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, 3 grams by mouth three times daily, mixed in water.
L-arginine. (2021). Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine.
L-carnitine
Supports mitochondrial health.
Nicolson, G. (2014). Mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic disease: Treatment with natural supplements. Integrative Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4566449/
L-citrulline
Seladi-Schulman, Jill. (2023). L-citrulline: Benefits, side effects, and more. Healthline.
Lemon
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, drinking the juice of one lemon in water daily.
“A highly-effective way to detoxify the body is to drink two 16-ounce glasses of water on an empty stomach after you wake up, squeezing half of a freshly cut lemon into each glass. The lemon juice activates the water, making it better able to latch onto toxins in your body and flush them out. This is especially effective for cleansing your liver, which works all night while you’re asleep to gather and purge toxins from your body. When you wake up, it’s primed to be hydrated and flushed clean with activated water. After you drink the water, give your liver half an hour to clean up. You can then eat breakfast. If you make this into a routine, your health will improve dramatically over time. For an extra boost, add a teaspoon of raw honey and a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the lemon water. Your liver will draw in the honey to restore its glucose reserves, purging deep toxins at the same time to make room.”
— From the book Medical Medium: Secrets Behind Chronic and Mystery Illness and How to Finally Heal by Anthony William
Linfadren
Research
Cacchio, A., Calvisi, V., Di Carlo, G., et al. (2023). Efficacy and safety of the phytochemical product Linfadren in the management of patients with persistent ankle edema following trauma or surgery: A randomized controlled trial (Abstract)
Cacchio, A., Prencipe, R., Bertone, M., et al. (2019). Effectiveness and safety of a product containing diosmin, coumarin, and arbutin (Linfadren) in addition to complex decongestive therapy on management of breast cancer-related lymphedema (Abstract)
Luteolin
For mast cell disorder.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that is crucial to the body’s function. Magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal, supports muscle and nerve function, and energy production. Every organ in the body, especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys, needs the mineral magnesium. It also contributes to the makeup of teeth and bones.
Magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) is a condition in which the amount of magnesium in the blood is lower than normal. Common symptoms include: abnormal eye movements (nystagmus), convulsions, fatigue, muscle spasms or cramps, muscle weakness and numbness.
Adults who get less than the recommended amount of magnesium are more likely to have elevated inflammation markers. Low magnesium appears to be a risk factor for osteoporosis. Chronically low levels can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are used to treat acid reflux and have also been tied to low magnesium levels. Examples of PPIs include dexlansoprazole [Dexilant], esomeprazole [Nexium], lansoprazole [Prevacid], omeprazole [Prilosec, Zegerid], pantoprazole [Protonix], and rabeprazole [Aciphex].
Supplemental magnesium can interact with certain medicines, including diuretics, heart medicines, or antibiotics. Magnesium is the main ingredient in many antacids and laxatives. Check with your practitioner if you are considering magnesium supplements, especially if you routinely use antacids or laxatives containing magnesium.
High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Magnesium supplements often cause softening of stool. Signs of a magnesium overdose can include nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue. At very high doses, magnesium can be fatal.
There’s some evidence that eating foods high in magnesium and other minerals can help prevent high blood pressure in people with prehypertension. Eating whole foods is always best, as magnesium can be lost during refinement and processing. Natural food sources of magnesium include: green, leafy vegetables (like spinach), nuts, beans, peas, soybeans, and whole-grain cereals.
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, no more than 350 mg by mouth daily.
Reacted magnesium provides three unique forms of highly absorbed magnesium to ensure maximum absorption of this important macromineral. Most magnesium supplements use only a single-source of magnesium, which can easily overwhelm a single pathway of absorption, and limit uptake of high-dose magnesium regimens. Reacted magnesium takes advantage of three unique pathways of absorption by providing magnesium as di-magnesium malate, magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate for enhanced absorption, improved utilization and gastrointestinal comfort.
Where to Purchase Reacted Magnesium
Amy Beard MD
Ortho Molecular Products
Professional Supplement Center
About Magnesium
The effect of magnesium on sodium-potassium balance | Livestrong
Magnesium fact sheet for consumers | National Institutes of Health
Magnesium face sheet for health professionals | National Institutes of Health
Should you take calcium and magnesium together? | Livestrong
Signs you may have a magnesium deficiency | Cleveland Clinic
What are the causes of low magnesium and potassium? | Livestrong
Griffin, R. (2024). Magnesium. Web MD.
Magnesium. (2020). Office of Dietary Supplements. National Institutes of Health.
Magnesium deficiency. (2023). Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine.
Metformin
Dr. Herbst uses metformin to lower inflammation and break up fibrosis.
Milk thistle
Milk thistle supports healthy liver function.
About Milk thistle
Milk thistle | National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Mucinex — see Guaifenesin
Mullein
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is an herbal plant that has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties. A flowering, leafy plant that grows a weed across the globe, it contains components that have been used in traditional and naturopathic medicine for thousands of years. Some studies are beginning to uncover its pain-relieving and antimicrobial properties following its long history used treating viral and bacterial infections alike.
Mullein contains compounds such as flavonoids (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant), saponins (anti-inflammatory and pain relieving), phenylethanoid glycosides (anti-inflammatory and antiviral), and iridoids (anti-inflammatory). These compounds may help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators, reducing oxidative stress, and protecting cells from damage.
Mullein is commonly used for treating inflammation associated with conditions such as: respiratory infections (e.g., bronchitis, asthma), skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis), joint pain (e.g., arthritis), and digestive problems (e.g., gastritis). In the 1800s, mullein was used to treat people suffering with tuberculosis across the western world and is still used by traditional medicine practitioners to alleviate systems and treat respiratory symptoms such as cough, congestion, bronchitis, and asthma. Muellein has long been used as an anecdote for localized and general inflammation and swelling in the body, which is present in so many conditions and diseases.
The type of mullein plant most used for treatment of animals and humans is common mullein, or Verbascum thapsus. For use, the leaves and flowers are used fresh or dried to be extracted as an oil to be used in creams or drops or used in dry form for teas, blends, and tinctures.
Mullein oil can be purchased in stores or online or made one of two ways — it is either infused in hot oil or cold steeped over a longer period of time. The oil is often used topically to alleviate earaches and soothe irritated skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis. It can also be applied to ease joint pain and muscle soreness. To take advantage of its promising potential for respiratory health, the oil can be rubbed on the chest or back.
The mullein leaf is an herbal tea and may provide respiratory relief and deliver overall anti-inflammatory benefits. Mullein tea may also be used for its mild sedative effects, which can promote relaxation.
It is important to note that there is no standardized dosage for mullein. Consult with a healthcare professional before using mullein, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.
Known side effects of mullein are rare. It may cause irritation to skin or gastric if you are reactive or allergic to any of its compounds — avoid its use if you are allergic to mullein or other plants in the Scrophulariaceae family. It also has the potential to interfere with medications and should never be used if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Research
Blanco-Salas, J., Hortigon-Vinagre, M., Morales-Jadan, D., et al. (2021). Searching for scientific explanations for the uses of Spanish folk medicine: A review on the case of mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae). Biology.
Gupta, A., Atkinson, A., Pandey, A., et al. (2022). Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review. Phytotherapy Research.
Turker, A., & Gurel, E. (2005). Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): Recent advances in research. Phytotherapy Research.
About Mullein
4 health benefits of mullein tea | Health
6 health benefits of mullein leaf | VeryWell Health
Health benefits of mullein tea | Web MD
How mullein benefits your lungs | Cleveland Clinic
Mullein | Drugs.com
Mullein | RxList
Mullein leaf: Potential benefits, known risks, and more | Everyday Health
Mullein tea uses, benefits, and side effects | Healthline
What is mullein? Other names: Aaron’s rod, Adam’s flannel, beggar’s blanket | Consensus
What are the health benefits of mullein tea (Verbascum thapsus)? | Consensus
What to know about mullein leaf benefits, risks, and more | Healthline